What does it take to build a football program that develops young men from middle school all the way to college? At Walton High School, head coach Daniel Burner has spent 10 years building exactly that — a program rooted in culture, community, and continuity. The foundation starts early. Walton's feeder program, the Junior Raiders, introduces student athletes to the same plays and system they'll run at the varsity level — making the transition from middle school to high school seamless. That kind of intentional development is rare, and it shows. Off the field, the program has built a support system that goes beyond wins and losses. Players have access to mental health resources and college recruiting support, freeing Coach Burner to focus on what he does best — coaching and developing young men into their best selves. The community shows up. Parents, alumni, and the greater Marietta / East Cobb area rally behind this team, creating an environment where athletes feel supported both on and off the field. Competing at the 6A level, the Raiders finished 7-6 overall, 3-3 in region — with players earning offers from D3 through D1 programs. This is more than a football team. It's a pipeline for life. 🎙️ Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share with a student athlete or family in your life

About TAP Podcast

A show about the ever-changing world of youth sports, through the experience of the community that supports our student athletes. That community includes parents, coaches, trainers, Mental Health professionals, Videographers, and in this new world financial advisors and NIL Agents. We talk sports, share stories and discuss how student athletes are navigating this new world. We share how we can support and empower parents to ensure they take care of their student athletes. We share real stories and unpack what it truly takes to thrive as a student athlete in this new era. From managing recruiting pressure and social media exposure to understanding NIL opportunities

The Mission

The playbook for the student athlete success in the classroom on the field and beyond requires a community.

Dr Jermal McCoy played College basketball at North Highland College followed by Texas State University. After College he was a member of the Harlem Globe Trotters. Dr McCoy started Life After Ball to help athletes make the transition to life after sports.

The Mission

To empower athletes to transition seamlessly from sports to a successful careers beyond the field. We envision a world where every athlete is equipped with the tools, support and opportunities to thrive in their life after sports.

Links

https://lifeafterball.org

/ thelifeafterball

/ thelifeafterball

info@lifeafterball.org

About TAP Podcast

The TAP Podcast offers a powerful look into the fast-changing landscape of youth sports through the lens of those who shape it. Each episode spotlights the voices that make up the student-athlete ecosystem—parents, coaches, trainers, mental health professionals, videographers, financial advisors, and NIL agents—capturing how they guide, support, and influence today’s athletes. Through insightful conversations and real stories, TAP examines how student athletes are navigating the pressures of recruiting, the rise of social media, and the expanding opportunities within the NIL era. The show goes beyond the game, exploring the mental, emotional, and practical tools needed to help student athletes thrive on and off the field. Our Mission To deliver the essential playbook for student athlete success—in the classroom, in competition, and throughout life.

As head coach of the Mt. Vernon Varsity basketball team, Reed has done something special — guiding his squad from a 15-13 record in his first season to an incredible 28-4 finish and a Final Four appearance in year two. But this didn't happen overnight.

Reed spent five years at Mt. Vernon building relationships from the ground up — coaching middle school and JV — so by the time he stepped into the head coaching role, his players already trusted him. That foundation, combined with a rock-solid coaching staff and a culture-first mindset, is exactly why his program is winning.

A Georgia native from Powder Springs, Reed played college basketball at Gordon College before transferring to Dalton State, where he became the all-time leading scorer. He knows what it means to compete, adapt, and finish strong — and he's now passing that mentality on to the next generation.

Off the court, he's a proud dad of two little ones (ages 3 and 18 months), and everything he does on the court is a reflection of the values he's building at home.

Coach Dungan joins us to talk player development, culture-building, and what it really takes to go from good to great. This one is for every coach, parent, and student athlete who wants to understand what championship programs are actually built on.

About TAP Podcast

The TAP Podcast offers a powerful look into the fast-changing landscape of youth sports through the lens of those who shape it. Each episode spotlights the voices that make up the student-athlete ecosystem—parents, coaches, trainers, mental health professionals, videographers, financial advisors, and NIL agents—capturing how they guide, support, and influence today’s athletes. Through insightful conversations and real stories, TAP examines how student athletes are navigating the pressures of recruiting, the rise of social media, and the expanding opportunities within the NIL era. The show goes beyond the game, exploring the mental, emotional, and practical tools needed to help student athletes thrive on and off the field. Our Mission To deliver the essential playbook for student athlete success—in the classroom, in competition, and throughout life.